Every time you leave your phone on the table or lend it for a moment, there’s a chance someone could access your information without your knowledge. Photos, conversations, passwords, and even banking data can be exposed in seconds. Aware of this reality, Google is preparing to introduce a user security-focused feature in Android 16: an intrusion detection system that will collect, encrypt, and store sensitive device information, allowing for later review in case of suspicious activity.
According to Android Authority and findings from the APK file analysis of the beta version 25.18.31 of Google Play Services, this tool will be integrated as part of the new operating system’s advanced protection mode.
This development marks a turning point in mobile device security, not only strengthening the safety of your phone but also giving you peace of mind knowing that any suspicious access will be identified immediately.
How Will Intruder Detection Actually Work?
The idea behind this new feature is quite simple but very powerful: to keep a private and secure log of everything that happens on your phone so you can review it if you ever notice something unusual. This log will store important details such as:
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When something was connected via USB
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Whether any new apps were installed
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Bluetooth connections that were made
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What happened with the lock screen
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Wi-Fi network activities
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Even the browsing history
All of this will be saved in a file which, according to experts who reviewed the code, will be end-to-end encrypted and stored in a kind of private vault within your Google Drive.
The best part is that only you will be able to access this information. To open the log, you’ll need your Google password and the same security methods you use to unlock your phone (such as your fingerprint or PIN). Not even Google or the apps you have installed will be able to read this data. This follows the strict privacy approach Google has been reinforcing lately.
So, if you ever feel that someone has been snooping around on your phone, this tool will let you know exactly what happened—without compromising your privacy.
Read more: How and where do hackers hide their malware code?
Android to Introduce an "Advanced Protection Mode"
The new intruder detection tool won’t come alone. It will be part of a set of features that Android 16 will group under the name "Advanced Protection Mode."
It’s still unclear whether this option will become available for earlier versions of Android, but all signs suggest it will be exclusive to Android 16. So far, all the clues found in the code only appear in this version.
As for who will benefit most, it’s especially designed for those who handle sensitive information or need to ensure their phone is always under control. For example: people working in large companies, developers, or journalists.
Google plans to unveil the first versions of Android 16 on May 13. On that day, we’ll also find out which phones will be compatible and, hopefully, whether this feature will officially become part of the system. If confirmed, this tool wouldn’t just be another upgrade — it could completely change the way Android protects users against intruders and ongoing threats.
How to Keep Your Information Safe on Android
These days, your phone holds practically your entire life: photos, contacts, apps, passwords, and much more. Fortunately, Android offers a tool that helps you protect all of that without much hassle—automatic backups linked to your Google account.
Activating them is quite simple. Just go to Settings > Google > All Services > Backup and Restore, and turn on Google One. You can back up almost everything: system data, photos, videos, and even what you store inside your apps. Keep in mind that the first backup might take up to 24 hours, but after that, the system will automatically update it from time to time.
What About Security?
All the information is encrypted both when it’s being transmitted and when it’s stored on Google’s servers. Additionally, some data is protected using the same method you use to unlock your phone (your PIN or password). For this reason, it’s best to avoid weak options like swipe unlock.
If you switch phones or decide to restore your device, Android lets you automatically recover everything during the initial setup, as long as you’re using the same or a newer version of the system.
From the Settings menu, you can also see what has been backed up, delete old backups, or even turn off the feature if you ever decide you no longer want to use it. It’s a simple but highly effective tool to prevent losing important data—whether due to a technical error, theft, or just a simple oversight.
